cultivate
verb
cul·ti·vate
ˈkəl-tə-ˌvāt 
cultivated; cultivating
1
: to prepare or prepare and use for the raising of crops
Some fields are cultivated while others lie fallow.
also
: to loosen or break up the soil about (growing plants)
2
a
: to foster the growth of
cultivate vegetables
cultivate coffee
b
: culture sense 2a
cultivate oysters for pearls
c
: to improve by labor, care, or study : refine
cultivate the mind
… cultivated a reputation as a hard-core wheeler-dealer …—
Kit Boss
Kit Boss4
: to seek the society of : make friends with
looking for influential people to cultivate as friends
Examples of cultivate in a Sentence
Prehistoric peoples settled the area and began to cultivate the land.
Some of the fields are cultivated while others lie fallow.
a plant that is cultivated for its fruit
They survived by cultivating vegetables and grain.
He has carefully cultivated his image.
She cultivated a taste for fine wines.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ultimately, Severance champions the idea that merging professional roles with personal identity is key to cultivating authentic leadership.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Bezos has also been careful to cultivate social and financial ties with his family.
—Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2025
Despite a childhood in the wealthy suburb of McLean, Virginia, and years at a tony law firm, Carr has taken pains to cultivate an image as an everyman.
—Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025
The reputation of Noguchi’s work and the unique style of his Akari lamps make this a design staple for anyone hoping to cultivate a modern bedroom.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cultivate
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Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Bezos has also been careful to cultivate social and financial ties with his family.
—Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2025
Despite a childhood in the wealthy suburb of McLean, Virginia, and years at a tony law firm, Carr has taken pains to cultivate an image as an everyman.
—Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025
The reputation of Noguchi’s work and the unique style of his Akari lamps make this a design staple for anyone hoping to cultivate a modern bedroom.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cultivate
Cite this Entry
“Cultivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cultivate. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cultivate
verb
cul·ti·vate
ˈkəl-tə-ˌvāt
cultivated; cultivating
1
a
: to prepare land for the raising of crops
b
: to loosen or break up the soil around (growing plants)
2
a
: to raise or assist the growth of by tilling or by labor and care
cultivate vegetables
cultivate oysters
b
3
: to improve or develop by careful attention, training, or study : devote time and thought to
cultivate one's mind
cultivate the arts
4
: to seek the company and friendship of
Medical Definition
cultivate
transitive verb
cul·ti·vate
ˈkəl-tə-ˌvāt
cultivated; cultivating
: culture sense 1
viruses cultivated in brain tissue
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